Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin (R,C-Melrose) recently voted against a job-killing bill to raise minimum wage requirements on business owners by 17 percent this year alone, including an annual increase as well. The legislation would amount to a roughly $2,900 spike in costs for business owners per full-time minimum wage earning employee if enacted. McLaughlin labeled the measure irresponsible and indicated that the legislation would hurt New York’s workforce rather than help them.

“With our economy in shambles and New York’s business tax climate ranking second worst in the nation, to force through another expensive mandate would be irresponsible and counterproductive,” said McLaughlin. “Raising the minimum wage will force small businesses to eliminate jobs, reducing the amount of money in hardworking New Yorkers’ pockets. This legislation is equally as flawed because Albany is asking to tie minimum wage to the rate of inflation which could have dangerous consequences that will be forced on job-creators in the future.

“If we want to create better-paying jobs, let’s start by examining the 49,000 pages of job-killing regulations that cripple small-business owners and the unfathomable tax burden these job creators face. That’s how we can truly change the course of New York’s economy and increase income for our families.”